On Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 a.m. we will be turning our clocks back and returning to standard time. Please be reminded to replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors when you change your clocks and if your smoke detector is more than 10 years old it would be wise to replace it. When you are replacing the batteries you may wish to consider adding additional smoke alarms.

The ceiling is the best location for smoke detectors, but detectors can be mounted also on the wall. In both cases, smoke detectors must be installed at least four inches away from corners. In wall-mounted installations, the bottom of the detector should be no more than twelve inches from the ceiling.

Your family should also have a family escape plan. Have home fire drills several times a year. If a fire occurs, get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible. You should have a pre-agreed meeting place so all members of your family are accounted for. For your safety use a neighbor's telephone or use your cell phone to call the fire department rather than trying to call from your home.

The Mayor's Halloween Party is on Friday, Oct. 27, from 6- 9 p.m. at the Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue.

The Costume Parade for grades Pre K through fifth begins at 6:15 p.m. and the Chaminade Pep band will again be participating in the parade this year. This year's event will feature pony rides, petting zoo, hayrides and a castle bounce. We will also have a spook walk for all to enjoy.

Last week I mentioned that the success of the Halloween Party is due to the effort of the many volunteers. The Key Club volunteers are as follows:
Deena Vezo	Stephanie Fabrico
Vanessa Papadimitrios	Nyaraj Mehlomakulo
Anjali Singla	Lauren Gandarela
Amanda Chiu	Ryan Barry
Neeti Dhana		Eric Wong
Diana Rodrigues	Ed Kaiser
Vanessa Gonzalez	Angela Rovegno
Melissa Fischetto	Jacqueline Johnson
Vikki Montalbano	Ashley O'Neill
Caitlan Callahan	Jennifer Aven
Victoria Russo	Rachelle Callahan
Joey Tiseo	Jennie Valente
Anthony Wong	Matt Russo
Brian Saks	Theresa Dolan
Samantha Valdellon	Nicholas Fusco

Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell has obtained another grant for our village. This grant is in the amount of $50,000 and will be used to enhance the sports and recreational facilities such as playing fields, playgrounds and lighting in our village. The current ticket office will be closing for interior renovations. The new temporary ticket office will be to the west in a "Trailer" which will remain in place until the renovations are completed. It is currently anticipated that the temporary ticket office will be opening on October 18th to serve the public.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can kill. Carbon monoxide (CO) displaces the body's essential oxygen supply. Flu-like symptoms, vomiting and/or loss of consciousness are oftentimes the result of CO poisoning.

It is prudent to install CO detectors in your home especially near the sleeping areas and another near the furnace. If the CO detector activates, open the windows, but most importantly get everyone out of the house and then call for help.

To protect our loved ones never burn charcoal in the fireplace; never use the gas oven for heating and never leave a car running in your garage.

Leaf collection will officially begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and continue through Nov. 30. Loose leaves should be kept separate from household waste and placed in bags just behind the curb for collection on your refuse collection days. There is a ten (10) bag limit per collection day. Please do not place leaves in the street because it creates a serious safety hazard.

With the abundance of trees in our Village, leaves are plentiful. However, every effort will be made to service your area as quickly as possible, and we ask that you be patient as crews proceed through the routes. If you have any questions regarding leaf season, please call the Department of Public Works at 746-0753.

Nassau Pops has announced their 12th Annual Gala Benefit for Special Olympics on Long Island. This year's event will be held at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post College on Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. This year's event will feature the renowned tenor Michael Amante and the event will be entitled "Touched by a Tenor". The cost is $25 per adult and $20 for seniors and students. For more information on this worthy cause and enjoyable benefit call the box office at 299-3100. The Mineola Chamber of Commerce board of directors has chosen Lawrence Jones, Esq. as their Business Person of the Year for 2000. The Nassau Council of Chambers, the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village of Mineola salutes Lawrence for all of his community spirit and participation in many organizations that serve the multitudes. Lawrence will be honored on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Imperial Manor on Hicksville Road in Bethpage at 8 a.m. for his accomplishments.